Gently crush them against the bottom and side walls of the glass. Turn the spoon upside down and press the bottom end of the handle into the leaves.

Wooden spoon – Add the mint leaves to the glass.

Use these alternative tools instead of a traditional cocktail muddler: Give a few strong stirs and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and enjoy.ĭon’t have a muddler? Here are some kitchen hacks to try if you need a muddler substitute. This easy drink recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free.

Whole30 – Make a virgin mint julep by swapping out bourbon with sparkling water and using date paste to sweeten the drink.

Swap out bourbon with scotch and sweeten it with honey for a GAPS-friendly cocktail.

GAPS – There are only a few alcoholic spirits allowed on the GAPS diet.

Low oxalate diet – All ingredients are low-oxalate ingredients.Paleo diet – Use maple syrup or honey as the sweetener.Keto diet – This recipe is naturally low-carb and keto-friendly.There are several easy ways to modify the recipe and adjust for particular dietary needs. Also works well for a large batch of mint julep for a crowd.Īdapt keto mint julep to best suit your diet. Blended mint julep – for a fun change, throw all the ingredients in a blender and mix on high speed for a few seconds to make a blended mint julep.Swap out fresh mint for spearmint or lemon balm for a fun twist.These alternatives will provide a similar flavor and can be used interchangeably in a mint julep recipe.

Bourbon alternatives – Rye whiskey, Tennessee whiskey, or blended whiskey.However, you can switch things up to give a different flavor profile. This fun drink is traditionally made with bourbon and fresh mint and enjoyed over ice. Use what is needed immediately and store leftovers in an airtight container like a jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and let cool.

Heat over medium heat, stirring until erythritol dissolves. In a small saucepan, combine two cups water and two and one-half cups granulated keto sweetener.

Crushed ice – used to chill the cocktail and dilute it to the desired strength.īefore you pick those mint leaves for your glass of julep, let’s do a quick batch of keto-friendly simple syrup.

Fresh mint leaves – adds a fresh and aromatic flavor great alternatives are spearmint, chocolate mint, or lemon balm.

Keto simple syrup – provides low-carb sweetness without the use of sugar (see recipe below) can also use stevia, monk fruit sweetener, or allulose.

Club soda – added for effervescence and to dilute the cocktail can use sparkling water or seltzer water.

Bourbon – the main spirit that gives the cocktail its distinctive flavor and kick Rye whiskey, Tennessee whiskey, or blended whiskey will provide a similar flavor profile.

Looking for a low-carb cocktail without the sparkle? Our Lemon Twist Martini recipe is perfect for an elegant evening or special party. The low-carb mint julep is a great alternative for those following a keto diet, allowing them to enjoy the flavors and traditions of this classic drink without sacrificing their dietary goals. This effervescent alcoholic drink remains a beloved cocktail with a rich history and cultural significance. So if there’s one drink you can start with, let it be this keto-friendly cocktail. Lastly, this cocktail recipe is easy to follow and can be made with simple ingredients, making it accessible to those who otherwise feel intimidated by cocktail making. Furthermore, keto mint juleps typically skip all the high-carbohydrate additions like fruit juices and soda pop, keeping the drink low in carbs while still delivering the classic minty flavor. To make this keto-friendly mint julep, we will use a keto simple syrup with a low-carb sugar alternative, such as an erythritol monk fruit blend. As a result, many people following a keto or low-carbohydrate diet cannot enjoy this beloved cocktail.īut there’s great news! You don’t have to consume too many carbs or sugars to indulge in a delicious cocktail. Traditionally, a mint julep is high in carbohydrates due to granulated sugar and other sweet ingredients. What once started as a medicinal beverage made with brandy, sugar, and mint has evolved into the traditional Kentucky Derby drink and is now closely associated with horse racing and southern culture.

The mint julep is a classic cocktail with a rich history dating back to the 18th century in the southern United States.

Virgin mint julep recipe